Model of cw argon ion lasers excited by low-energy electron beams
Date
1986
Authors
Fetzer, G. J., author
Collins, G. J., author
Rocca, Jorge J., author
Jacobs, R., author
American Institute of Physics, publisher
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Abstract
A model of cw argon ion lasers excited by low-energy (50-200 eV) direct current electron beams at current densities between 1 and 50 A/cm2 has been developed. The electron energy distribution in the electron-beam-created plasma is calculated by numerically solving the Boltzmann equation for electrons. Optical gains, powers, and laser efficiencies were computed for the 4765-, 4880-, 4965-, and 4658-Å Ar II transitions for a wide range of discharge conditions. Laser efficiencies comparable to those of a conventional Ar II laser (~3 × 10-4) are predicted for these laser transitions when electron beam excitation is used.